By the odd chance that the average women’s soccer fan has not become completely engulfed in the Women’s World Cup, one may have noticed that WPS starts back up after a brief break. And tonight’s match between Sky Blue FC and the Philadelphia Independence is no sleeper, either.
Two of the teams least affected by Women’s World Cup call-ups will square off on Wednesday night at Widener University in a critical match for both. Philadelphia (5-2-3, 18 pts.) is riding a three game winning streak and four game unbeaten streak with victories against the Western New York Flash and magicJack (twice).
Meanwhile, Sky Blue FC (3-3-3, 12 pts.) is amidst a five game winning streak that includes a wild 2-2 draw with Western New York on June 3.
With a victory, the Independence will jump into first place, one point ahead of Western New York. That would set up an incredible first place battle on Saturday when Philadelphia hosts the Flash. But Philadelphia Head Coach Paul Riley is only concerned about Wednesday’s game.
“I just told the players that it is one thing being in a good spot but it is another thing finishing in a top spot,” Riley said. “This game against Sky Blue is so critical because if can beat everyone behind us, they can’t pass us. We built our team around players that won’t be in the World Cup.”
